The Medical Health Officer for Sunrise Health Region, Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, urges people to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza, and in the case of parents of newborn babies to present for whooping cough vaccination.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is free of charge and available to all persons wishing to receive it. Ontario experienced a surge of flu cases the first week of January, well above the expected 2004-09 average. This has prompted concern that influenza illness numbers could rise in Saskatchewan.
The seasonal influenza vaccine will continue to be offered until March 2011 at all local Public Health offices by appointment. Yorkton Public Health Office, 150 Independent Street, will hold special drop-in clinics on February 14 and February 28 from 3:30-5:30 pm for parents whose infants are due for their second dose of seasonal influenza vaccine and for anyone wishing to receive the seasonal or whooping cough vaccines.
Cases of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, were reported early this winter in Sunrise Health Region. It is recommended that all parents and primary caregivers of newborns receive vaccination for whooping cough.
